Aggies' Hyman: No timeline on Manziel

In an email to 12th Man Foundation members, Texas A&M athletic director Eric Hyman said A&M will not “speculate on a specific timeline” regarding inquiries by the university and the NCAA into sophomore quarterback Johnny Manziel.

The reigning Heisman Trophy winner is under investigation by both entities as to whether he accepted money from brokers for autographing memorabilia in the offseason.

Manziel has participated in every A&M practice and is expected to take part in a scrimmage starting at 6 p.m. Saturday at Kyle Field, which is open (and free) to the public. The Aggies host Rice on Aug. 31 in their season opener.

Hyman wrote, in part: “There simply is no blueprint for handling what Johnny and his family have gone through since December. What we have done is surround Johnny with a support network of dedicated staff from the areas of administration, academics, scheduling, compliance, media relations, and even security to assist him during these unprecedented times. ...

“Any decisions we make regarding this situation will be based on an analysis of available facts. Be assured that we would like to reach a resolution as quickly as possible, but at this stage, we are not in a position to speculate on a specific timeline.”

Shafer said he'll have a decision before Syracuse plays Penn State in New Jersey on Aug. 31.

Tech QB injured again: Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury acknowledged Michael Brewer had a setback with his injured back, meaning the Red Raiders could begin the season with a freshman starter at QB. The first-year coach likely will turn to freshmen Baker Mayfield or Davis Webb.

UCF damages reduced: A Florida appeals court reduced a $10 million award to $200,000 in a wrongful death suit filed by the family of Central Florida's Ereck Plancher, who died after conditioning drills in 2008.

The court, however, denied the UCF Athletic Association a new trial. It did rule UCF's power of control over its athletics association is sufficient for sovereign immunity afforded to state agencies. Any award above $200,000 now has to be approved by the legislature.